Special feature
The Mai-Kai cocktail guide
Okole Maluna Society
The Atomic Grog reviews and rates more than 50 of The Mai-Kai's amazing tropical drinks from the current menu plus reveals many lost classics. Add your comments and ratings, plus check out the ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.
Friends of The Mai-Kai
• Join the new Facebook group
Special tribute
The Mai-Kai is here to stay: 10 reasons why we love the historic South Florida restaurant
A reminder of what makes this Fort Lauderdale landmark special as it promises to entertain, fascinate and satisfy us for years to come.
Special event
New giant carved Tiki added to The Mai-Kai’s outdoor garden in time for 60th anniversary
Looming 12 feet tall in the outdoor Tiki garden is Hiroa Nui, a new carving by a local artist who has spearheaded a resurgence of traditional artwork at the acclaimed Polynesian restaurant.
• The Mai-Kai turns 60 with history presentations, celebration
Available now!
The Mai-Kai book release
Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant
The definitive book on the histoic Fort Lauderdale Tiki temple has been released. Get your copy now.
Event recaps
Altered State Tattoo's 20th anniversary
Recipes: The Atomic Grog serves up exotic cocktails at artist's birthday bash
The Atomic Grog had the distinct pleasure of serving up cocktails on Aug. 27 for special guests of artist Mike "Pooch" Pucciarelli at the 20th anniversary party for Altered State Tattoo, the South Florida shop that has gained him a worldwide following for his highly creative ink.
‘Boozy’ blog celebrates fifth anniversary
The Atomic Grog celebrated its fifth anniversary on Saturday, April 30, with a cocktail party in The Molokai lounge at The Mai-Kai featuring live instrumental surf music from Skinny Jimmy Stingray, drink specials, giveaways, and more.
Mai-Kai news
The Atomic Grog exclusive
'King Kai' leads procession of new Tikis into The Mai-Kai
Thanks to a dedicated group of artists and supporters, The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale has been blessed with the arrival of a new clan of Tiki carvings, most notably the 10-foot “King Kai” that now holds court in the outdoor garden.
Take 5
5 questions with ...
Jeff 'Beachbum' Berry, Tiki cocktail historian extraordinaire
We caught up with the author in his natural habitat (The Mai-Kai gardens) and got his take on time travel, his new book, and his most loved (and loathed) drinks.
Otto von Stroheim, pioneering promoter and Tiki tastemaker
One cannot imagine what the modern Tiki revival would be like without Otto von Stroheim. A much less festive place, that's for sure. Check out our interview with the founder of Tiki Oasis.
Martin Cate, rum and cocktail maestro
The owner of Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco talks about his favorite drinks, a possible future project and why every city should have a great Tiki bar. Plus, bonus recipes for two of his most acclaimed cocktails.
Take 5 in South Florida
• Bar/restaurant pioneer Rodney Mayo
• Mai-Kai General Manager Kern Mattei
• Artist Mike "Pooch" Pucciarelli
Rum & cocktails
Special event recaps
RumXP Awards announced at eighth annual spirits fest
Plantation won a festival-best eight RumXP awards for the third year in a row, while Hawaii’s Koloa took home seven.
• The Mai-Kai pre-party and Santeria Rum cocktail recipe
• Miami festival specializes in education, but reminds us that 'rum is fun'
Miami festival boldly explores the next frontier of cane spirits
In 2015, the event was less about the big brands flexing their muscle and more about the boutique labels showing off their innovation and commitment to craft.
• Special cocktail recipe: Mai-Kai Moai
The Art of Tiki: A Cocktail Showdown
Mixologists take Tiki cocktails to new artistic heights at South Beach Wine & Food Festival
A hometown favorite took home the top prize at The Art of Tiki: A Cocktail Showdown at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival on Feb. 26, while an enthusiastic bar team that traveled more than a thousand miles also came away a winner.
S. Fla. features, reviews
S. Fla. bars and restaurants
• Dada in embraces rum
• Innovative watering holes fuel rise of craft cocktails
• A Taste Of ... Dada
• Hullabaloo jazzes up Clematis Street with inventive cocktails
• Sweetwater introduces new cocktails, huge spirits menu
• Sweetwater: Shining beacon in food and drink wasteland
Book makes waves, gives state's rich surfing history its due
When you examine the sport of surfing and its surrounding culture, Florida is sometimes overlooked while hot spots such as California and Hawaii grab the spotlight. A new book could go a long way toward changing that perception.
Past coverage
• Florida at forefront of surf rock's contemporary renaissance
Retro culture
Modern Retro Disney World
Enchanted Tiki Room still charms, inspires
Keeping Walt Disney's vision alive since 1971, this landmark theme park attraction received a welcome refurbishment in 2011 that heralded the return of the vintage show that pays tribute to the original Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland.
• Enchanted Tiki Room 50th anniversary
A journey back in time uncovers 'Disney side'
My first visit to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando was in 1972, but it wasn't until decades later that events conspired to make me a fan for life.
Retro Disney World
• 30 years of Epcot magic
• Artists shine at 40th birthday party
• Disney World is still cool at 40
Culture & travel
Stretching the limits
of the imagination
The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is a surreal experience in its own right.
• Mermaids alive, well at Weeki Wachee
The third hardcover opus from acclaimed Tiki urban archaeologist Sven Kirsten
We put two new products to the test,
Longboards, the surf-themed restaurant and bar in downtown West Palm Beach, closed unexpectedly
Rock 'n' roll icon Dick Dale is in the midst of a career resurgence